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Veena Reddy in spotlight: Former USAID India chief linked to $21 million voter turnout fund
A political controversy has erupted in India following US President Donald Trump's claim that a $21 million USAID grant aimed at increasing voter turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was an attempt to influence the election outcome and facilitate a regime change. BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani alleged that the grant was used to pay voters and that USAID's India mission director, Veena Reddy, was sent to India specifically for this task. He demanded an investigation into the disbursal trail of the funds. The Congress party has called for a white paper on USAID's financial support for institutions in India. Veena Reddy, the first Indian-American to lead USAID in India, served as Mission Director from 2021 to 2024, during which time USAID's funding for projects in India significantly increased.04:28 PM Feb 21, 2025 IST